Arlo Launches AI‑Enabled Essential 3 Home Security Cameras
Key Points
- Arlo releases five AI‑enabled security cameras under the Essential 3 series.
- Cameras can recognize familiar faces, vehicles, packages and detect fire.
- Product lineup includes wired and wireless indoor and outdoor models with pan‑tilt‑zoom, siren, spotlight and extended battery options.
- Prices start at £79.99 for a single indoor unit and £129.99 for the wired outdoor PTZ camera.
- All models work with Alexa, HomeKit, Google Home, SmartThings and IFTTT but not Matter.
- AI features require an Arlo Secure subscription; the Early Warning System tier adds fire alerts and detailed object ID.
- Subscription tiers also provide cloud storage, generic detection and replacement‑camera guarantees.
- Non‑subscription cameras exist but lack the AI capabilities of the Essential 3 line.
Arlo has introduced a new series of five home security cameras that leverage artificial intelligence to recognize familiar faces, vehicles, packages and even detect flames. The Essential 3 line includes indoor and outdoor models, both wired and wireless, with features such as pan‑tilt‑zoom, built‑in sirens, spotlights and extended battery life. While the cameras work with major smart‑home platforms, the AI capabilities are unlocked only through Arlo Secure subscription plans, with the top‑tier Early Warning System offering fire alerts and detailed object identification.
Overview
Arlo unveiled a fresh set of five home security cameras that incorporate artificial‑intelligence (AI) technology to enhance safety and convenience for homeowners. The cameras can automatically identify familiar individuals and vehicles, detect packages left at the door, and recognize the presence of fire by spotting flames. These capabilities are marketed under the Essential 3 series and are available for preorder, with shipping slated for early October.
Product Lineup
The Essential 3 collection comprises two indoor cameras and three outdoor cameras, offering both wired and wireless configurations. The wired outdoor model, called the Essential 3 Outdoor Pan Tilt Zoom, features a 130‑degree field of view and can pan and tilt to follow subjects, eliminating blind spots. It is priced at £129.99 for a single 2K‑resolution unit. The indoor counterpart, the Essential 3 Indoor Pan Tilt Zoom, provides similar functionality and includes a privacy mode that disables the camera when it is disarmed; it is available for £89.99 for a single unit or £129.99 for a pair.
Additional models include a wireless Essential 3 Outdoor camera equipped with a siren and spotlight, starting at £99.99, and the Essential 3 Outdoor XL, which offers extended battery life and is sold in a two‑camera bundle for £169.99. The Essential 3 Indoor version incorporates a physical privacy shield that engages when the camera is disarmed; this model costs £79.99 for a single unit or £99.99 for a twin pack.
AI Features and Subscription
All cameras are compatible with major smart‑home ecosystems such as Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings and IFTTT, though they do not yet support Matter. To activate the AI‑driven detection capabilities, owners must subscribe to an Arlo Secure plan. In the United Kingdom, three tiers are offered: Secure Single Cam, Secure Multi Cam, and Early Warning System. Each tier provides cloud video storage, generic detection of people, animals, vehicles and packages, and a replacement‑camera guarantee if a unit is stolen. Only the Early Warning System tier delivers detailed identification of specific people and cars and sends fire alerts. This premium tier is priced at £16.99 per month or £169.90 per year.
Market Position
While the Essential 3 cameras present a low upfront cost compared with many competitors, the reliance on a subscription to unlock AI features distinguishes Arlo’s offering. Consumers seeking a camera without ongoing fees can consider alternatives that store video locally, though those options lack the advanced AI functions highlighted in Arlo’s new lineup.